JP4983821B2 - Display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a flat panel type display device, and more particularly to a display device invention that can make a so-called frame that is a non-display area around a display device narrower.

  There has been provided a display device that forms a screen of characters, images, or images by arranging a plurality of display elements and controlling the state of each display element. For example, electro-optical devices such as a liquid crystal display device and an organic EL display device can be used. In such a display device, the substrates are sealed with each other and the substrate and the sealing material to prevent deterioration of the members.

  For example, in an organic EL display device, ambient gas that enters the device affects the life of the organic EL light emitting element. In particular, moisture (water vapor) and oxygen cause deterioration of the metal electrode, making it difficult to operate the light emitting element for a long time. For this reason, the substrate on which the array of organic EL display elements is formed is sealed with a metal can, a water-resistant plastic package, a protective film or the like to obtain a gas barrier property against water vapor or oxygen.

  However, when a sealing metal can, a sealing protective film, or the like is formed on a display element substrate on which a display element is formed, the sealing metal can or the sealing protective film is bonded to the display element substrate. Space is needed. Moreover, in order to ensure the gas barrier property mentioned above, a fixed joining width (joining space) is also required. Since the sealing of the display element substrate is performed on the outer periphery of the substrate, a so-called frame that is not used as a display area is generated on the outer periphery. This makes it difficult to downsize and freely design a device such as a mobile phone or a portable information device equipped with a display device.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of narrowing a frame area.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device in which the gas barrier property does not deteriorate even if the frame region is narrowed.

In order to achieve the above object, a display device of the present invention includes a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes disposed in a display region of the substrate, a first portion disposed between the adjacent first electrodes, A bank layer including a second portion disposed outside the display region; a second electrode covering the plurality of first electrodes and the bank layer; and the first electrode and the second electrode. A light emitting layer and a conductive film disposed outside a display region of the substrate, wherein the second portion of the bank layer is continuously formed from the first portion of the bank layer, and the second electrode is The conductive film is connected to the conductive film outside the bank layer.
The display device of the present invention is provided in a display area of the substrate and the substrate, and includes a plurality of first electrodes, a second electrode provided so as to cover the plurality of first electrodes, and the plurality of first electrodes. A plurality of light-emitting elements including a plurality of light-emitting layers provided between the display electrode and the second electrode, a conductive film disposed in a region between the display region and the first side of the substrate, and the display A bank layer having a first portion provided in the region and a second portion provided outside the display region, wherein the first portion of the bank layer includes each of the plurality of light emitting elements. The second portion of the bank layer is continuously formed from the first portion, and an end portion of the second portion of the bank layer is formed between the display region and the first side. The second electrode is located between the end of the second portion of the bank layer and the first side. Extends, the second electrode is between the second portion of the end portion and the first side of the bank layer, characterized in that it is connected to the conductive film.
In another aspect of the present invention, a substrate having a plurality of display elements and a wiring layer separated by a bank layer, an electrode layer covering the plurality of display elements and the bank layer, and sealing at least an outer periphery of the substrate. And a sealing substrate that covers the substrate by bonding at a stop region, and the wiring layer is formed in a part of the sealing region of the substrate, and the outer peripheral portion of the electrode layer is within the sealing region. Connected to the wiring layer.

  With this configuration, a part of the sealing region of the substrate is used as a connection region between the electrode and the wiring, so that the outer shape of the sealing substrate can be reduced while securing a required bonding width for a gas barrier or the like. Therefore, the size of the part that constitutes the frame of the display device is reduced.

  Preferably, the electrode layer is a common electrode (cathode or anode) of each display element.

  Preferably, the common electrode includes at least two types of electrode layers, a lower layer positioned on the display element side and an upper layer positioned thereon, and the upper electrode layer is a gas barrier property or environmental resistance than the lower electrode layer. Is good. Thereby, deterioration of the lower electrode layer can be suppressed. In addition, it is possible to use a film having good light emission efficiency (or operation efficiency) for the lower electrode layer.

  Preferably, the lower electrode layer covers all of the plurality of display elements and at least a part of the bank layer, but is separated from the sealing portion on the outer peripheral side of the sealing substrate, and the upper electrode is It covers the entire lower electrode layer and reaches the sealing portion of the sealing substrate. As a result, the lower electrode layer is separated from the joint into which the gas enters, and deterioration of the lower electrode layer can be suppressed. In addition, it is possible to use a film having good luminous efficiency for the lower electrode layer.

  Preferably, the sealing portion of the sealing substrate protrudes from the surface facing the substrate so as to go around the outer periphery of the sealing substrate. Thereby, the substrate can be sealed with a hollow sealing substrate (concave concave).

  Preferably, the upper surface of the wiring layer (of the power supply) of the substrate is formed flat, and the electrode layer is laminated thereon and electrically connected. This ensures the conduction between the wiring layer and the electrode layer.

  Preferably, the surface of the substrate facing the sealing portion of the sealing substrate is also formed flat. Thereby, the stress applied to the sealing portion of the substrate can be made uniform.

  Preferably, sealing is performed by replacing the sealing substrate with a multilayer thin film. Thereby, a flexible film-like display device can be realized.

  Preferably, the size of the sealing portion of the sealing substrate is determined by a margin necessary to ensure the gas barrier property or environmental resistance of the joining means, and the common electrode and the power supply to the common electrode are used for the margin. A connection region for connecting the wiring layers to be supplied is included. As a result, reliability can be ensured and the frame of the display device can be narrowed.

  Preferably, the joining means includes an adhesive film, and the film thickness does not exceed 20 μm. The width of the adhesive film is at least 1 mm. Thereby, the contact surface with the external atmosphere is reduced, the penetration depth of the external atmosphere is increased, and deterioration of the sealed element is suppressed.

  Preferably, the outer periphery of the sealing substrate is positioned inside the outer periphery of the substrate by a margin when the sealing substrate is placed on the substrate. Thereby, the mounting of the sealing substrate on the substrate is facilitated.

  Preferably, the outer periphery of the sealing substrate is positioned on the inner side of the outer periphery of the substrate by at least a scribe margin when the substrate is divided. Thereby, a required space for separating and cutting the display after assembly is secured.

  Preferably, the sealing substrate is a flat substrate. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform sealing more simply.

  Preferably, the bank layer is not located in the sealing portion of the sealing substrate. Thereby, since the bank layer is separated from the sealing portion region, the bank layer can be formed of an organic material having a relatively high moisture permeability.

  Preferably, the substrate of the display element is a polygon or a rectangle, and the outer peripheral portion of the electrode layer and the wiring layer of the power source are connected to one side of the substrate. This eliminates the need for wiring with the electrode layer on the other side (or three sides), so that the other side (or three sides) can be narrowed. Such a configuration is effective when the module may extend in a certain direction, such as a display device of a mobile phone, but is restricted in other directions.

  Preferably, the substrate is polygonal or quadrangular, and the outer peripheral portion of the electrode layer and the wiring layer of the power source are respectively connected at two opposite sides of the substrate. Such a configuration is effective when, for example, a large number of driver ICs are mounted in order to reduce the wiring resistance to the electrodes and display a large capacity.

  Preferably, the substrate is polygonal or quadrangular, and the outer peripheral portion of the electrode layer and the wiring layer of the power source are connected at three sides surrounding the substrate. In such a configuration, the wiring resistance to the electrode can be sufficiently reduced by connecting at three sides, and connection to an external circuit can be achieved at one side. The entire module is narrowed with a good balance.

  Preferably, the substrate is a polygon or a rectangle, and the outer periphery of the electrode layer and the wiring layer of the power source are connected at four sides surrounding the substrate. Such a configuration is suitable for reducing the wiring resistance as much as possible, which is necessary when realizing a large high-definition display device. In this case, a lead-out wiring is formed under the power supply wiring layer via an insulating film, or the connection region between the electrode layer and the power-supply wiring layer is divided into a plurality of blocks, and the lead-out wiring is arranged between the blocks. It's also good.

  Preferably, a dummy display element is disposed on the outer periphery of the region where the plurality of display elements are arranged. Accordingly, gas is allowed to enter from dummy display pixels that are not used for display, thereby reducing the substantial influence on the display element. In addition, it is possible to make uniform the application (application amount) of the material of the display element by the ink jet method.

  Preferably, the display element is an organic EL element. The lower electrode layer is calcium, and the upper electrode layer is aluminum.

  Preferably, the bank layer is formed of a resin material. The presence of the bank layer between the display elements prevents color mixing.

  Preferably, the display device described above is used in an electronic device such as a digital camera, a personal computer, a flat-screen television, a portable information terminal device, a mobile phone device, and an electronic book. As a result, various devices having a small non-display area (frame) around the display can be obtained.

  The display device manufacturing method of the present invention includes a process of forming at least a wiring layer in a part of a sealing region inside an outer periphery of a substrate on which an electric circuit is to be formed, and a plurality of displays except for the wiring layer on the substrate. A process of forming an element isolation layer having a plurality of grooves for separating elements from each other; a process of forming the display element in each of the plurality of grooves of the element isolation layer; the plurality of display elements; Forming a common electrode layer on each of the element isolation layer, the wiring layer, a bonding material applying process for applying a bonding material to the sealing region of the substrate, and an annular sealing in the sealing region of the substrate; A sealing process in which a sealing substrate having a portion is bonded via the bonding material to seal the substrate.

  With this configuration, the frame of the display device can be narrowed.

  Preferably, in the bonding material application process, the bonding material is applied on a connection region between the common electrode layer and the wiring layer formed in the sealing region of the substrate and on the remaining sealing region. Thereby, the sealing region between the substrate and the sealing substrate is sealed with a required bonding material.

  The display device manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a process of forming at least a wiring layer in a part of a sealing region inside the outer periphery of a substrate on which an electric circuit is to be formed, and a plurality of processes except for the wiring layer on the substrate. Forming a device isolation layer having a plurality of grooves for separating the display elements from each other, forming the display device in each of the plurality of grooves of the device isolation layer, and the plurality of display devices A process of forming a common electrode layer on each of the element isolation layer and the wiring layer, a bonding material applying process of applying a bonding material on the sealing region of the substrate and the common electrode layer, and the substrate And a sealing step of sealing the substrate by bonding a sealing substrate covering the sealing region and the common electrode layer through the bonding material.

  With this configuration, the frame of the display device can be narrowed.

  In addition, a method for manufacturing a display device includes a process of forming at least a wiring layer in a part of a sealing region inside an outer periphery of a substrate on which an electric circuit is to be formed, and a plurality of display elements except for the wiring layer on the substrate. Forming a device isolation layer having a plurality of grooves for separating each other, forming a display element in each of the plurality of grooves in the device isolation layer, the plurality of display devices, and the device A separation layer; a process of forming a common electrode layer on each of the wiring layers; and a sealing process of sealing the substrate by forming a multilayer film covering the sealing region and the common electrode layer on the substrate. ,including.

  Preferably, the multilayer film includes a film that prevents permeation of water or gas.

  Preferably, the common electrode layer includes at least two kinds of electrode layers, a lower layer positioned on the display element side and an upper layer positioned thereon, and the electrode layer above the lower electrode layer has a gas barrier property or environmental resistance. Good sex. Thereby, deterioration of the light emitting element can be prevented.

  Preferably, the lower electrode layer covers the whole of the plurality of display elements and at least a part of the bank layer, but is separated from the sealing portion of the sealing substrate, and the upper electrode is the entire lower electrode layer To the inside of the sealing portion of the sealing substrate. Thereby, deterioration of the lower electrode layer can be prevented.

It is a top view explaining the 1st Example of the display apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing which followed the AB part of FIG. 1 explaining the 1st Example (example of sealing substrate use) of the display apparatus of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CD in FIG. 1 for explaining the first embodiment of the display device of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the edge part structure of the general display apparatus (comparative example) for demonstrating the effect of a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing explaining the flatness in the sealing part of a board | substrate outer periphery, (a) shows the case where there exists deviation | shift in the base wiring layers 121, 112, and 107 and the common electrode 123, (b) shows the case where there is no deviation. Yes. It is process drawing explaining the manufacturing process of the display apparatus of a 1st Example. It is sectional drawing along the AB section of FIG. 1 explaining the 2nd Example (example of sealing substrate whole surface adhesion) of the display apparatus of this invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line CD in FIG. 1 for explaining a second embodiment of the display device of the present invention. It is process drawing explaining the manufacturing process of the display apparatus of a 2nd Example. It is sectional drawing which followed the AB part of FIG. 1 explaining the 3rd Example (example of multilayer sealing film use) of the display apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the CD section of FIG. 1 explaining the 3rd Example of the display apparatus of this invention. It is process drawing explaining the manufacturing process of the display apparatus of a 3rd Example. It is a top view explaining the 4th example (example using a dummy pixel) of the 4th display of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example which connects a power supply wiring and a common electrode in three sides of a board | substrate. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example which connects a power supply wiring and a common electrode in one side of a board | substrate. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example which connects a power supply wiring and a common electrode in two sides of a board | substrate. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example which connects a power supply wiring and a common electrode in four sides of a board | substrate. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of the portable personal computer using the display apparatus of this invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a mobile phone using the display device of the invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of the digital camera which uses the display apparatus of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of the electronic book using the display apparatus of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 to 3 are explanatory views for explaining a first embodiment of the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the display device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section in the direction AB of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section in the CD direction of FIG. Corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each figure. In FIG. 2, the central display element region is shown in a simplified manner.

  The display device 1 of Example 1 is an example of an organic EL display device. The display device 1 is roughly divided into a TFT substrate 100 having a light emitting element array, a sealing substrate 200 for sealing the light emitting element array, a bonding means 301 for bonding the TFT substrate 100 and the sealing substrate 200, and a TFT substrate 100. The scanning line driver unit 140 that drives the scanning lines, the data driver IC 401 that drives the data lines of the TFT substrate 100, and the like are configured.

  The TFT substrate 100 includes a plurality of organic EL light emitting elements 120 arranged in a matrix and TFT transistors 130 that drive these light emitting elements 120 and function as switches. In the TFT substrate 100, a protective film 102 is formed on a glass substrate 101, silicon is deposited thereon, a low concentration impurity is implanted, and patterning is performed to form a polysilicon TFT region 103. The substrate 100 may be a resin substrate. A gate insulating film 104 made of silicon oxide is deposited thereon by CVD. On this, aluminum is deposited by sputtering and patterned to form organic EL driving power supply wiring films 105 and 106, organic EL cathode wiring film 107, and gate wiring film 108 of TFT 130. Next, high concentration ion implantation is performed on the source / drain regions of the TFT region 103 using a mask, and silicon oxide is deposited to form the first interlayer insulating film 110. An anisotropic etching is performed using a contact hole mask to open a contact hole in the TFT region 103. Next, aluminum is deposited and patterned to form the source / drain electrodes 109 and the connection electrodes 112. Next, silicon oxide is deposited to form a second interlayer insulating film 111. In order to suppress the TFT degradation factors such as metal ions and water from reaching the TFT, as the second interlayer insulating film, for example, boron, carbon, nitrogen, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, ytterbium, samarium, erbium, yttrium, An insulating film containing at least one element selected from elements such as gadolinium, dysprosium, and neodymium can also be used. A display element group described later is formed thereon.

  A central region of the TFT substrate 100 configured as described above is a display region in which display element groups are arranged. The light emitting elements 120 of red light emission, green light emission, and blue light emission as display elements are arranged in a matrix with these three colors as one pixel. Each radiated light of each light emitting element 120 is radiated to the outside through the glass substrate 101. Note that light can be extracted from the side opposite to the TFT substrate 100. In this case, it is preferable that the layer above the light emitting layer is formed of a member having high light transmittance. In order to separate the light emitting elements and prevent color mixing, bank layers 113 are formed between the light emitting elements and at the outer periphery of the display area. The bank layer 113 can be formed, for example, by patterning an organic material film such as a photoresist.

  The light emitting element 120 includes a transparent electrode (ITO) anode 121, an organic EL layer / hole transport layer 122, a cathode (common electrode) 123, and the like. The cathode 123 has a two-layer structure. For example, the lower layer is a calcium film 123a and the upper layer is an aluminum film 123b. The cathode 123a is formed across the light emitting elements 120, the bank layers between the light emitting elements 120, and the bank layer 113 around the display area, and a contact with the upper cathode 123b is secured. The upper cathode 123 b also functions as a wiring film, and is connected to the wiring film 107 in a region below the sealing portion 202. As described above, the cathode 123a in contact with the organic EL layer / hole transport layer 122 is made of a calcium film to increase the luminous efficiency, and the upper aluminum film 123b covers the entire calcium film 123a so that the low resistance wiring and the gas barrier are covered. (Corrosion prevention). In addition, it is good also as an organic EL element structure which arrange | positions the electron injection layer or an electron carrying layer, or the laminated body of an electron injection layer and an electron carrying layer further on a light emitting layer (organic EL layer and hole transport layer).

  The upper surface of the substrate 100 configured in this manner is sealed with a sealing substrate 200 having an inverted concave shape in cross section. The sealing substrate 200 is made of, for example, metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, etc., and includes a plate-shaped sealing plate 201, and a protruding sealing portion 202 formed on the outer periphery of the lower surface of the sealing plate, And a desiccant (material) 203 attached to the lower surface of the sealing plate 201. The desiccant 203 adsorbs water vapor or oxygen gas that has entered the interior.

  Nitrogen gas as an inert gas is filled between the TFT substrate 100 and the sealing substrate 200, and both the substrates 100 and 200 are bonded together at the sealing portion 202 via an adhesive 301 as a bonding means. As the adhesive 301, an appropriate material such as thermosetting or ultraviolet curable is used, and in particular, an adhesive having low gas permeability such as water vapor is used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the substrate 100 is provided with a margin “a” for placing the sealing substrate 200. In addition, the width d of the sealing portion 202 of the sealing substrate 200, that is, the sealing region d of the substrate 100 is an appropriate width for the adhesive 301 to prevent gas permeation (the width of the portion of the adhesive 301 only). b and approximately the sum of the connection widths c of the upper and lower wirings). For example, the width (width d of the adhesive 301) is set to 1 mm or more to increase the penetration depth of the external atmosphere, making it difficult for water vapor or oxygen gas to penetrate from the adhesive layer. Further, the film thickness of the adhesive 301 is set to 20 μm or less, and the contact surface between the adhesive 301 and the external atmosphere is made small to make it difficult for gas to enter. And deterioration of the sealed internal element is suppressed.

  The cathode film 123 b enters the region below the sealing portion 202 by the vertical connection width c and is connected to the wiring 107 of the substrate 100 through the ITO film 113 and the source / drain electrode film 112.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the data line of the substrate 100 is connected to the electrode 121 at the end of the substrate, and is connected to the wiring tape 402 via the anisotropic conductive film 303. A data driver IC 401 for driving each data line is bonded in the middle of the wiring tape. Even in the lower portion of the substrate 100, the cathode 123 partially enters the sealing portion 202.

  FIG. 4 shows a more general bonding example (comparative example) between the TFT substrate 100 and the sealing substrate 200. In the figure, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, the mounting margin a when the sealing substrate 200 is mounted on the TFT substrate 100 and the margin d of the adhesive 301 for preventing gas permeation and ensuring sealing reliability are the cathode. 123 is secured outside the connection area c between the substrate wiring 107 and the substrate wiring 107. The dimension from the end of the TFT substrate 100 to the connection region c is the mounting margin a + the margin d of the adhesive 301 + the connection region c. In this configuration, the area of the non-display area on the outer periphery of the display device 1 is large.

  On the other hand, in the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cathode 123 or the connection region c between the cathode 123 and the wiring 107 enters the lower region (width d) of the sealing portion 202. The dimension from the end of the TFT substrate 100 to the connection region is the mounting margin a + the margin d of the adhesive 301. The margin d of the adhesive 301 is substantially b + c, and the area of the non-display area is reduced by the margin c of the wiring connection portion.

  Further, in the configuration of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the region below the sealing portion 202 is as flat as possible, or the step is not changed. Is formed. 5A and 5B, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  5A and 5B, x is a connection width between the power supply wiring 107 and the common electrode film 123, y is a shift between the power supply wiring 107 and the common electrode film 123, and z is an outer periphery of the connection region. The sealing margin under the sealing region is shown.

  As shown in the figure, the power supply wiring 107 of the TFT substrate 100 in the lower region of the sealing portion 202 is formed relatively wide and flat. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply wiring 107 is disposed on the outer periphery of the substrate 100 so as not to intersect with other wiring. Thereby, the generation of a step caused by the intersection of the wirings is avoided as much as possible, and the power wiring film 107 is formed flat. On top of this, an aluminum film 112 and an ITO film 121 are formed flat, and aluminum of the common electrode film 123 is further deposited on the flat surface l of these conductive films to electrically connect with the cathode of the light emitting element 120. Connected. The upper surface (insulating film 111) m of the substrate 100 on the outer peripheral side of the connection region is also formed flat.

  Preferably, as shown in FIG. 5B, the deviation y between the power supply wiring 107 and the common electrode film 123 is set to zero. Thereby, the width of the power supply wiring 107 and the connection width of the common electrode 123 are matched to minimize the wiring resistance, and the waste of the dimension in the width direction is eliminated.

  In this way, the conductive portion (vertical conductive portion) x between the power supply wiring film 107 and the common electrode 123 is formed flat, and the outer peripheral sealing region z is also a flat region. The vertical conduction is ensured, the step at the end of the film after the formation of the common electrode film 123 is uniformly formed, the height of the vertical conduction part is aligned on the TFT substrate 100 side, and the sealing condition is the vertical conduction part. I try not to change. Furthermore, by securing the flat portion z on the outer peripheral portion z of the vertical conduction portion x, it is possible to make uniform the stress applied to the sealing portion by can sealing.

  FIGS. 6A to 6D are process diagrams for explaining a manufacturing process of the display device 1 according to the first embodiment. In the figure, parts corresponding to those in FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6A, a TFT substrate 100 is formed. That is, a protective film 102 is formed by depositing a silicon nitride film on the glass substrate 101 by a CVD method. Silicon is deposited thereon by CVD. Further, a polysilicon film 103 is formed by implanting low concentration impurities and performing heat treatment by laser annealing. The polysilicon film is patterned to form a TFT region 130. A gate insulating film 104 made of silicon oxide is deposited thereon by CVD. On this, aluminum is deposited by sputtering and patterned to form the organic EL driving power supply wiring films 105 and 106, the organic EL cathode wiring film 107, and the gate wiring film 108 of the TFT 130. Next, high concentration ion implantation is performed on the source / drain regions of the TFT region 103 using a mask, and the impurities are activated by heat treatment. Further, silicon oxide is deposited by a CVD method to form the first interlayer insulating film 110. The interlayer insulating film 110 is anisotropically etched using a mask to open contact holes in the source / drain regions of the TFT region 103. Next, aluminum is deposited and patterned to form the source / drain electrodes 109 and the connection electrodes 112.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, silicon oxide is deposited by a CVD method to form a second interlayer insulating film 111. The interlayer insulating film 111 on the wiring film 107 is etched to expose the aluminum film 112. On this, ITO is deposited by sputtering and patterned to form the anode 121 of the light emitting element 120. Also, an ITO film 121 is deposited on the aluminum film 112 on the wiring film 107 to adjust the thickness of the connection region and prevent the aluminum surface from being oxidized.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, a photosensitive organic resin film is applied by a spin coat method and patterned to form a bank layer 113 in which the anode (ITO) 121 of the light emitting element is exposed at the bottom of the groove. . The bank layer 113 separates each light emitting element. Next, the EL layer 122 is formed on the anode 121 by an inkjet method. The EL layer 122 includes, for example, a light emitting layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, and the like. On these light emitting elements 120, for example, calcium 123a is vacuum-deposited and patterned, and further aluminum 123b is evaporated and patterned. Calcium 123 a and aluminum 123 b constitute a cathode (common electrode) 123 of the light emitting element 120. The cathode 123 has a two-layer structure in which the lower calcium film 123a is covered with the upper aluminum film 123b, thereby preventing moisture from entering the calcium film 123a (ensuring gas barrier properties). The aluminum film 123b extends to the outer periphery of the substrate 101 as a common electrode 123, and is connected to the wiring film 107 via the ITO film 121 and the aluminum film 112 at the outer peripheral portion at a margin c (see FIG. 2) of the wiring connection portion. Is done.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6D, an adhesive or sealant 301 is applied to a portion including the wiring film 107 on the outer periphery of the TFT substrate 100, and a reverse concave shape in which a protrusion 202 is formed on the outer periphery. The sealing substrate 200 is attached in an inert gas atmosphere such as nitrogen gas. A desiccant is disposed inside the sealing substrate 200 and adsorbs moisture and oxygen that have entered the interior. As the adhesive 301, an insulating material that does not transmit oxygen or moisture is desirable, and a photo-curing resin or a thermosetting resin can be used. For example, an epoxy resin or an acrylate resin can be used.

  In this way, a display device is formed.

  7 and 8 show a second embodiment. In both figures, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  In this embodiment, a flat substrate is used as the sealing substrate 200. As the sealing substrate 200, for example, a glass plate, an aluminum plate, a stainless steel plate, an acrylic plate, a ceramic plate, or the like can be used as appropriate. All the gaps between the TFT substrate 100 and the sealing substrate 200 are buried with an adhesive 301 to bond (adhere) both substrates. Also in this case, the margin b + c necessary for ensuring the above-described sealing reliability including the connection region between the cathode 123 and the wiring film 107 of the substrate is secured, and the wiring between the cathode 123 and the substrate is secured. The bank layer 113 is located inside the connection region with the film 107. This narrows the frame width, isolates the resin film 113 having a relatively high moisture permeability from the adhesive 301, and prevents gas from entering the bank layer 113.

  FIGS. 9A to 9D are process diagrams for explaining a manufacturing process of the display device 1 of the second embodiment. In the figure, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  Also in this display device, the steps of FIGS. 9A to 9C are performed in the same manner as FIGS. 6A to 6C.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, after the TFT substrate 100 is formed, an adhesive 301 is applied to the upper surface of the TFT substrate 100 so as to have an appropriate film thickness by a spin coating method, an inkjet method, a transfer roller, or the like. The The sealing substrate 200 is bonded to the TFT substrate 100 while being positioned on the adhesive film.

  Note that an adhesive 301 may be applied to the sealing substrate 200 and bonded to the TFT substrate 100. Further, after the sealing substrate 200 and the TFT substrate 100 are combined, the adhesive may be penetrated into the inside by a capillary phenomenon from the surrounding gap.

  10 and 11 show a third embodiment. In both figures, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, a multilayer thin film 210 is formed in place of the sealing substrate 200. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-223264 proposes a laminated film of an inorganic passivation sealing film and a resin sealing film as a sealing film. The multilayer thin film 210 is formed on the TFT substrate 100 and covers the entire cathode 123. The multilayer thin film can adopt various configurations such as an organic layer / inorganic layer / organic layer configuration or an inorganic layer / organic layer / inorganic layer configuration. For example, a ceramic material such as SiO ₂ , SiN, or SiON can be used as the inorganic material, and a general hydrocarbon polymer such as polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene can be used as the organic resin layer.
Further, a fluorine-containing polymer may be used. The polymer material itself can be placed, or the precursor or monomer can be applied to the substrate and cured. The cathode 123 is connected to the power supply wiring 107 on the end side of the substrate 100. In this example as well, the width of the margin b + c necessary for ensuring the above-described sealing reliability including the connection region between the cathode 123 and the wiring film 107 of the substrate is secured, and the wiring between the cathode 123 and the substrate is also secured. The bank layer 113 is located inside the connection region with the film 107. Thereby, the width of the frame is narrowed.

  12A to 12D are process diagrams for explaining a manufacturing process of the display device 1 according to the third embodiment. In the figure, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  Also in this display device, the steps of FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C are performed in the same manner as FIG. 6A to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12C, after the TFT substrate 100 is formed, as shown in FIG. 12D, the TFT substrate is covered with a highly protective protective film 210 so that the cathode 123 is not exposed to the outside air. 100 is covered and the outer periphery is patterned so that the substrate can be separated. The protective film 210 is preferably a multilayer thin film. As described above, the multilayer thin film is formed by laminating an organic layer / inorganic layer / organic layer, or laminating an inorganic layer / organic layer / inorganic layer. For example, a ceramic material film such as SiO ₂ , SiN, or SiON is used as the inorganic material, and a general hydrocarbon polymer such as polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene is used as the organic resin layer. Further, a fluorine-containing polymer may be used. The polymer material itself can be placed, or the precursor or monomer can be applied to the substrate and cured.

  FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which dummy pixels are further added to the display area of the display device of the first to third embodiments described above.

  The gas that has entered the display device penetrates the film and affects the display element on the outer peripheral side of the display area. Therefore, by providing dummy pixels that are not used for image display in advance on the outer periphery of the display area, the influence of intrusion gas on the screen display is reduced. Further, by providing dummy pixels on the outer periphery of the display area, the coating film can be made uniform when the phosphor material is applied by the ink jet method. That is, in the ink jet method, a minute ink (material) droplet is ejected from a nozzle, but a certain time is required until the ejection amount is stabilized after the ejection is started. By stabilizing the discharge amount at the dummy pixel portion, the coating film of each light emitting element can be made uniform.

  Note that a mask vapor deposition method may be used instead of the ink jet method for forming the light emitter. Moreover, you may use combining the inkjet method and a mask vapor deposition method.

  14 to 17 show still another embodiment of the present invention. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1, and the description of such portions is omitted.

  In these embodiments, the outer periphery of the substrate is sealed by bonding the TFT substrate and the sealing substrate, but the frame is narrowed on any or all sides of the outer periphery of the TFT substrate.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as shown in FIG. 14, the power supply wiring 107 and the common electrode (cathode) 123 are connected on the three sides (upper side, left side, and right side) of the square (polygonal) substrate 100. Then, sealing is performed in the outer region to narrow the frame, and the wiring tape 402 is used on one side (lower side) to connect to the driver IC (external circuit). In this way, the wiring resistance to the common electrode 123 can be reduced by connecting the three sides, and one side can be dedicated to the external circuit connection, so that the entire module of the display device can be well-balanced and the frame can be narrowed. Become.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the power supply wiring 107 and the common electrode (cathode) 123 are connected to one side (lower side) of the substrate 100, and sealing is performed in the outer region. In this example, since the common electrode 123 and the wiring film 107 are connected only on one side, a sufficient conduction area (vertical conduction area) between the common electrode 123 and the wiring film 107 must be secured on this one side. Although it is difficult to narrow the frame, the wiring connection with the common electrode 123 is unnecessary on the other three sides, so that the three sides can be considerably narrowed. This is an arrangement that is convenient for a display device of a mobile phone, for example, when the module may extend in a certain direction but cannot be extended in the other direction.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the common electrode 123 and the wiring film 107 are connected to each other on the two sides (left side and right side) of the substrate 100, and sealing is performed in the outer regions thereof. When an external circuit is mounted by providing wiring tapes 402 on opposite sides (upper side, lower side), for example, it is effective when driving odd lines from above and driving even lines from below. It is possible to display a large capacity (large screen) by mounting a driver IC. In addition, with this configuration, it is possible to reduce the wiring resistance comparable to when the common electrode 123 and the wiring film 107 are connected on the three sides shown in FIG.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the common electrode 123 and the wiring film 107 are connected to each other on the four sides (upper side, lower side, left side, and right side) of the substrate 100, and sealing is performed in the outer regions thereof. Then, a lead-out wiring is formed through an insulating film below the wiring for conducting the common electrode 123 and the wiring film 107 by the multilayer wiring film, and this wiring is connected to an external circuit. Note that the conductive region connecting the common electrode 123 and the wiring film 107 may be divided into a plurality of blocks, and lead wirings may be arranged between the blocks. Such a configuration makes it possible to sufficiently reduce the wiring resistance necessary for realizing a large-sized high-definition display.

  As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, the display device is assembled by including the connection region (c) between the common electrode (cathode) 123 and the substrate wiring 107 within the sealing margin (b + c). The frame area of the display can be reduced.

  Further, since the bank layer 113 is positioned so as to be inside the substrate with respect to the connection region (c) between the common electrode 123 and the substrate wiring 107, the joint portion between the substrate 100 and the sealing substrate (or sealing film) 200. It is possible to avoid gas permeating directly into the bank layer 113 from (b + c). Accordingly, even if a resin (such as a photoresist) that is easily processed is used as the bank layer 113, the influence on the light emitting element 120 is reduced.

  Further, by separating the calcium electrode 123a from the connection region (c) between the cathode 123a and the substrate wiring 107, corrosion of the calcium electrode 123a due to permeation of oxygen or water vapor gas is avoided.

  Next, an example of an electronic apparatus including the above-described display device of the present invention will be described below, but is not limited to the example.

<Mobile computer>
First, an example in which the display device according to the above-described embodiment is applied to a mobile personal computer will be described. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of this personal computer. In the figure, a personal computer 1100 includes a main body 1104 having a keyboard 1102 and a display device unit having the display device 1106 described above.

<mobile phone>
Next, an example in which the display device according to the above-described embodiment is applied to a display unit of a mobile phone will be described. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration of this mobile phone. In the figure, a cellular phone 1200 is provided with the display device 1208 described above together with a mouthpiece 1024 and a mouthpiece 1206 in addition to a plurality of operation buttons 1202.

<Digital still camera>
A digital still camera using the display device according to the above-described embodiment as a finder will be described. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of this digital still camera, but also shows a simple connection with an external device.

  A normal camera sensitizes a film with a light image of a subject, whereas a digital still camera 1300 photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) to generate an image signal. The display device 1304 described above is provided on the back surface of the case 1302 of the digital still camera 1300, and is configured to perform display based on an imaging signal from the CCD. Therefore, the display device 1304 functions as a finder that displays the subject. A light receiving unit including an optical lens, a CCD, and the like is provided on the observation side (the back side in the drawing) of the case 1302.

  When the photographer confirms an image of the subject displayed on the display device 1304 and presses the shutter button 1308, the CCD image pickup signal at that time is transferred and stored in the memory of the circuit board 1310. The digital still camera 1300 includes a video signal output terminal 1312 and an input / output terminal 1314 for data communication on the side surface of the case 1302. As shown in the figure, a television monitor 1430 is connected to the video signal output terminal 1312 and a personal computer 1430 is connected to the input / output terminal 1314 for data communication as necessary. By this operation, the image pickup signal stored in the memory of the circuit board 1308 is output to the television monitor 1330 or the computer 1340.

<E-book>
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an electronic book as an example of the electronic apparatus of the invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1400 denotes an electronic book. The electronic book 1400 includes a book-type frame 1402 and a cover 1403 that can be opened and closed on the frame 1402. The frame 1402 is provided with a display device 1404 with the display surface exposed on the surface thereof, and further provided with an operation unit 1405. The frame 1402 includes a controller, a counter, a memory, and the like. In this embodiment, the display device 1404 includes a pixel portion in which display elements are arranged, and a peripheral circuit that is integrated with and integrated with the pixel portion. The peripheral circuit includes a decoder type scan driver and a data driver.

  In addition to the personal computer shown in FIG. 18, the mobile phone shown in FIG. 19, the digital still camera shown in FIG. 20, and the electronic book shown in FIG. 21, the electronic equipment includes electronic paper, a liquid crystal television, a viewfinder type, and a monitor direct view type. Video tape recorders, car navigation devices, pagers, electronic notebooks, calculators, word processors, workstations, videophones, POS terminals, devices with touch panels, and the like. And the display apparatus mentioned above is applicable to the display part of these various electronic devices.

  The display device of the present invention is not limited to the organic EL display device of the embodiment. Further, the substrate is not limited to the TFT substrate of the embodiment. The present invention can be applied not only to an active type but also to a passive type substrate.

  In the embodiment, an adhesive is used as the joining means, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other methods, for example, bonding by ultrasonic waves or lasers may be used.

  The present invention relates to a planar panel type display device, and more particularly to a display device invention that can narrow a non-display area around a display device, a so-called frame.

  As described above, according to the display device of the present invention, it is preferable because the width of the frame, which is a non-display area around the display area, can be made narrower.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... TFT substrate, 101 ... Glass (or resin) substrate, 107 ... Substrate wiring film, 113 ... Bank layer, 120 ... Display element (light emitting element), 123 ... Common electrode (cathode), 123a ... Lower layer electrode (calcium), 123b ... upper layer electrode (aluminum), 200 ... sealing substrate, 210 ... multilayer sealing substrate, 301 ... bonding means (adhesive).

Claims (5)

A substrate,
A plurality of first electrodes disposed in a display region of the substrate;
A bank layer comprising: a first portion disposed between the adjacent first electrodes; and a second portion disposed outside the display region;
A second electrode covering the plurality of first electrodes and the bank layer ;
A light emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode;
A conductive film disposed outside the display area of the substrate ,
A second portion of the bank layer is formed continuously from the first portion of the bank layer;
The display device, wherein the second electrode is connected to the conductive film outside the bank layer. The display device according to claim 1,
The second electrode and the conductive film are linearly connected in a connection region provided outside the second portion of the bank layer along at least two sides of the substrate among the substrates.
A display device characterized by that. The display device according to claim 1,
The second electrode and the conductive film are linearly connected in the connection region provided outside the second portion of the bank layer along at least three sides of the substrate of the substrate.
A display device characterized by that. A substrate,
  Provided in the display area of the substrate, provided between the plurality of first electrodes, the second electrode provided to cover the plurality of first electrodes, and between the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrode. A plurality of light-emitting elements including a plurality of light-emitting layers;
  A conductive film disposed in a region between the display region and the first side of the substrate;
  A bank layer having a first part provided in the display area and a second part provided outside the display area;
  A first portion of the bank layer is provided to separate each of the plurality of light emitting elements;
  A second portion of the bank layer is formed continuously from the first portion;
  An end portion of the second portion of the bank layer is located between the display area and the first side of the substrate,
  The second electrode extends between an end of the second portion of the bank layer and the first side;
The display device, wherein the second electrode is connected to the conductive film between an end portion of the second portion of the bank layer and the first side. Electronic apparatus including the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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